[06/03/08 - 01:48 AM]FOX Renews Hit Animated Series "The Simpsons" for Historic 20th SeasonThe renewal means "The Simpsons" will tie "Gunsmoke" as the longest-running series in the history of primetime television.

[via press release from FOX]

BART IS STILL ONLY 10 YEARS OLD, BUT "THE SIMPSONS" HAVE MADE IT TO 20!

FOX RENEWS HIT ANIMATED SERIES "THE SIMPSONS" FOR HISTORIC 20TH SEASON

FOX has ordered an historic 20th season of THE SIMPSONS, which will tie the series with "Gunsmoke" as the longest-running series in the history of primetime television. THE SIMPSONS airs Sundays (8:00-8:30 PM ET/PT) on FOX.

Created by executive producer Matt Groening, THE SIMPSONS is the longest-running primetime animated series in history and the longest-running comedy series currently on television. In 2007, THE SIMPSONS celebrated an unprecedented 400 episodes, and the long-awaited "The Simpsons Movie" was released in July and has grossed $526 million worldwide to date. Additionally, "The Simpsons Ride" opened in May at Universal Studios in Orlando, FL, and Hollywood, CA.

The critically praised series has been bestowed with numerous honors, including a Peabody Award, 23 Emmy Awards, 23 Annie Awards, four Genesis Awards, nine International Monitor Awards and seven Environmental Media Awards. THE SIMPSONS holds the Guinness Book of World Records titles for Longest-Running Primetime Animated Television Series and Most Guest Stars Featured in a Television Series. Recognized as a pop culture icon, Homer Simpson's annoyed grunt � "D'oh!" � is an official word in the Oxford English Dictionary, and THE SIMPSONS has a Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. With record-breaking retail sales, THE SIMPSONS reigns as one of the best-selling TV DVD properties of all time.

THE SIMPSONS is a Gracie Films Production in association with 20th Century Fox Television. James L. Brooks, Matt Groening, and Al Jean are the executive producers. Film Roman is the animation house.